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Articles by Mike Robbins

Browse every published article connected to Mike Robbins, with exact attribution and full-archive search.

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132 articles by Mike Robbins · showing 50

Browse every published article connected to Mike Robbins, or search within this exact expert archive.

By Mike RobbinsRecently publishedTopic pending

It’s Okay to Make Mistakes

I was scheduled to fly to Dublin, Ireland a few weeks ago for a speaking engagement and when I got to the airport I realized I’d forgotten my passport at home. I felt mortified and embarrassed – and then angry when I realized I wouldn’t be able to get on my flight. After a few hours of stress and drama, I was able to get myself on another flight, which would get me to Ireland on time for my event – although it did cost me quite a bit of money and forced my wife Michelle to have to drop what she was doing and rush to the airport with my passport.

Primary topic: Recently published

Recently published

1,647 views5/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

The Magic of the Olympics

The Winter Olympics in Vancouver have captured the attention of the world. As a former college and professional baseball player (and a lifelong sports fan), I’ve always loved the Olympics and appreciated the incredible athleticism, competition, and passion of the athletes and teams, from a pure sports perspective.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,316 views5/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Lessons in Teamwork from the SF Giants

I have been so excited and inspired by this year's baseball post-season and the big World Series victory by the San Francisco Giants. As a Bay Area native, a lifelong baseball fan, and someone who has been fortunate enough to have the Giants as a client this year, of course I was rooting for them with passion. The fact that the Giants had not won a World Series since moving from New York to San Francisco (in 1958) and that we haven't had a major sport championship here in the Bay Area since the 49ers won the Super Bowl in 1994, made it that much more exciting and meaningful.

Primary topic: Empowerment

2,212 views5/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Want What You Have

Recently someone said to me, "Mike, I read the best book of my life a few years ago. It only had four words in it, 'want what you have'." As simple of a concept as this is, I was struck by its wisdom and began to think about it in my own life. Sadly, as I thought about it more deeply, I realized that I put more of my attention and energy tha I'd like to admit on either wanting things I don't yet have or thinking that some of what I have isn't quite good enough the way it is. Can you relate?

Primary topic: Empowerment

2,656 views5/5 (3)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Self Improvement vs. Self Acceptance

I had the honor of meeting author Robert Holden recently when we both spoke at the Hay House IGNITE event in San Jose, CA (which was an amazing experience, by the way). Robert is someone whom I’ve admired for quite some time. It was wonderful to get a chance to meet him in person and hear him speak live. In his talk, he said “There’s no amount of self improvement that can make up for a lack of self acceptance.”

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,809 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

New Year, Be You

With the New Year still in its first few weeks, the annual "new year, new you" phenomenon is all around us - in the worlds of advertising, media, self-help and more. And while this time of year can be a great catalyst for positive change in our lives, what if we made a commitment to live our lives in 2011 focused on who we are, and not so much on what we do, what we accomplish, what we look like, what we're striving for, and more? One of best things we can do in this New Year is to focus on who we really are, instead of who we think we're supposed to be.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,334 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

How Do You Handle Criticism?

I've received some criticism in the past couple of weeks in a few different situations. This has caused me to step back and reflect on how I handle criticism. Although I tend to get quite defensive when people criticize me, I've actually been pleasantly surprised by how I've reacted. In this video blog I talk about criticism and offer some thoughts, ideas, and tips for how we can handle it more effectively...as well as ways to not let the fear of being criticized stop us from putting ourselves out there, taking risks, and going for what we truly want.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,242 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Keep Your Head in the Clouds and Your Feet on the Ground

A few weeks ago while I was on a run, the saying "keep your head in the clouds and your feet on the ground" popped into my head. I'm not sure why I thought of this, but once I did I couldn't get it out of my mind.

Primary topic: Empowerment

2,505 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

We're All Doing the Best We Can

I'm sometimes amazed and embarrassed by how critical I can be - both of other people and of myself. Even though I both teach and practice the power of appreciation (as well as acceptance, compassion, and more) when I find myself feeling scared, threatened, or insecure (which happens more often tha I'd like it to), I notice that I can be quite judgmental. Sadly, as I've learned throughout my life, being critical and judgmental never works, feels good, or leads me to what I truly want in my relationships and in my life. Can you relate to this?

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,617 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

The Power of Acceptance

For much of my life I've struggled to accept certain things about myself, others, and life that I don't like. Being someone who is committed to change and transformation, the idea of "acceptance" has often seemed weak, wimpy, or like an admission of failure or powerlessness to me - although I have pretended to understand, believe in, and even teach the power of acceptance for a long time.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,353 views3.8/5 (4)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Embrace Death, Live Life

My mom, Lois Dempsey Robbins, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in early March. The disease spread very quickly and on June 13th, she passed away. I was honored and grateful to be with her through her dying process. It was both horrible and beautiful at the same time.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,557 views5/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

The Triangle of Truth

I have a love-hate relationship to conflict. I love it when things “work out,” but hate it when they don’t.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,399 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Stay Grounded During the Holidays

The holiday season is now in full swing. If you're anything like me you probably have mixed feelings about the holidays. I love the excitement, parties, decorations, rituals, music, gifts, connections, and more. However, even these fun things can wear on me. And, the stress, drama, consumption, obligation, expense, and more that often come along with this time of year are not on my list of "favorite things."

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,178 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Are You Choosing Unhappy Over Uncertain?

I've been re-reading Tim Ferriss' great book The Four Hour Workweek, which has been expanding my mind and giving me lots of great ideas. In the book, Ferriss states that "most people choose to be unhappy rather than uncertain."

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,416 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

The Importance of Live Conversations

Have you ever had a conversation, disagreement, or conflict escalate over email? Do you sometimes find yourself engaging in difficult or emotional conversations electronically because it seems "easier," only to regret it later on? If you're anything like me and most of the people I know and work with, you can probably answer "yes" to both of these questions.

Primary topic: Empowerment

894 views5/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

You Are Not Alone

Sometimes I feel like I'm all alone. Even though my relationship with my wife Michelle is amazing, the love I feel for and from my girls is profound, and there are so many incredible people in my life (family, friends, and clients) - I still find that in my darkest moments, I feel like there's no one who really gets me, knows what I'm going through, or even cares enough to truly have my back. Do you ever feel like this yourself?

Primary topic: Empowerment

818 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Vulnerable Leadership

Vulnerable and leadership are not usually two words or concepts we put together. Most of us, myself included, have been taught that to be a "good leader" we have to be strong, convicted, and confident. "Never let 'em see you sweat," we've been told. However, I believe it's time for those of us who want to inspire, motivate, and lead others to step into our role as a leader with transparency, honesty, and vulnerability. As Mother Teresa said, "Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway."

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,627 views1.7/5 (3)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Who Do You Think You Are?

Sometimes when I’m about to take a big risk, go for something important, or “step out” in a bold way in my life, I notice the judgmental question, “Who do you think you are?, will pop up in my head. Does this ever happen to you? This is one of the many ways that the feelings of “not good enough” or “unworthy” show up in our lives and get in the way of our success, fulfillment, and authenticity.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,211 views4/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Life’s Easy... It’s Dealing With Ourselves That’s Hard

A practical article connected into the broader SelfGrowth topic graph.

Primary topic: Empowerment

2,031 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Trust is Granted Not Earned

How easily do you grant your trust to other people? What factors play into your ability or inability to trust cert ain individuals around you? What do people need to do to ea your trust?r

Primary topic: Empowerment

2,090 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Love Yourself, and the Rest Will Follow

How do you feel about self love? More importantly, how well do you love yourself? For most of us, loving ourselves is something we may know is important, but often have difficulty actually feeling, expressing, and embodying. For me, I’ve spent much of my life – as a student, an athlete, in business, in relationships, and in general – demanding perfection of myself, and of course, falling short and then feeling inadequate on a regular basis.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,877 views3/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Are You Living Your Resume or Eulogy?

I had the honor of both attending and speaking at the annual Wisdom 2.0 conference in San Francisco recently. The event was great, and one of the highlights for me was listening to an inspiring talk given by Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post. In her talk she asked us a powerful question, “Are you living your resume or your eulogy?”

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,524 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Appreciation: The Most Meaningful Gift

During one of her shows a few years back, Oprah Winfrey made a profound and beautiful statement that I appreciated very much. She said, "We do shows about lots of 'stuff' and my 'favorite things,' but what people want more than anything else is to know that they're appreciated...that's the best gift of all."

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,525 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

The Importance of Flexibility

How flexible are you? For me, it depends - on my mood, how much fear or resistance I have about something, how attached I am to a particular outcome, and various other factors. However, as I look throughout my life (now and in the past), I realize that the situations, relationships, and experiences that cause me the greatest stress and frustration, are almost always the ones where I'm not being flexible. And, on the flip side, the more flexible I am - the more peace, ease, and fulfillment become available.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,998 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

The Trap of Comparison

How often do you compare yourself to others? If you're anything like me and most of the people I know and work with, probably more than you'd like to admit. And, as you may have noticed (like I have), this comparison process never seems to feel very good or work very well, does it?

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,476 views3/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Be Flexible

How flexible are you? For me, it depends - on my mood, how much fear or resistance I have about something, how attached I am to a particular outcome, and various other factors. However, as I look throughout my life (now and in the past), I realize that the situations, relationships, and experiences that cause me the greatest stress and frustration, are almost always the places where I'm not being flexible.

Primary topic: Empowerment

2,519 views3/5 (2)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

The Power of Desire Without Attachment

For many years I've had mixed feelings about my wants and have been a bit confused about the true power of desire. While I know that desire is an essential piece of the manifestation process, I also know that focusing a lot of my attention and energy on what I want has caused a great deal of fear, pain, and disappointment in my life. Over emphasizing my desire has also gotten in my way of appreciating all that I already have and who I really am at the deepest level.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,353 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

We Don't Solve Our Problems, We Outgrow Them

I was recently reminded of a great quote from psychologist Carl Jung, he said, “We don’t solve our problems, we outgrow them.” As I’ve been thinking about this the past few days, I realize how often my attention is actually on solving my problems, instead of outgrowing them. No wonder the ones I obsess about the most seem to linger. However, we’ve all experienced this outgrowing process many times.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,960 views4/5 (2)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

What Baseball Can Teach Us About Life

With all the excitement of the playoffs and the World Series (which, thanks to the success of the San Francisco Giants, we get to experience directly here in the Bay Area), I've been thinking about, watching, and appreciating the great game baseball a lot these past few weeks. As someone who spent eighteen years of my life (from the age of seven until the age of twenty five) playing organized baseball and who has been a huge fan all my life, the game has taught me a great deal.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,585 views3/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Live Like You're Going to Die (Because You Are)

You're going to die. I'm going to die. Everyone around us is going to die. The reality of death is, of course, both obvious and daunting for most of us. With the recent tragic events in Japan and some very serious health news I received from someone close to me, I've been thinking about life and death a lot this past week. I was on a run a few days ago and thought to myself, "I wonder what it's like to know you're going to die?" Then I thought, "Wait a minute, we're all going to die - we just don't act like it."

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,449 views4/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

It Takes Courage to Put Ourselves Out There

In the past few weeks I’ve been thinking a lot about the courage it takes to step out, take risks, and put ourselves out there. Even though I know how important this is for growth, in business, and for life – I still find it tricky, scary, and challenging at times. I also realize it’s one thing to talk about putting myself out there and another thing to actually do it. With the launch of my new website and the announcement I made last week about my forthcoming book, Bring Your Whole Self to Work, being available for pre-order, I’ve been feeling both excited and scared.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,434 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Are You Threatened By Other People’s Success?

May 16, 2013 (For this week’s audio podcast, click here.)

Primary topic: Empowerment

2,165 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Remember How Precious Life Is

I was deeply saddened to learn about the recent death of Hall of Fame baseball player Tony Gwynn. Tony was a star for the San Diego Padres in the 1980s and 1990s. In addition to being an incredibly talented and accomplished athlete, he had an infectious smile and personality. I didn’t know Tony personally, but he was always someone I respected and admired – both for his skill and for the type of human being he seemed to be.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,609 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

The Importance of Unplugging

What percentage of your waking hours are you "plugged in" (i.e. checking things on the internet, doing email, texting, playing with your wireless device, watching TV, posting to Facebook or Twitter, and more)? If you're anything like me and most of the people I know and work with, probably more than you'd like to admit.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,823 views3.7/5 (3)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Appreciate the Simple Things

Last week my left ear got plugged up and it was difficult for me to hear out of it for about 48 hours. It was scary and challenging. Thankfully everything was okay, it's all clear now, and I'm able to hear just fine out of both ears. Having this happen was yet another example of how easy it is for me to take something simple, but very important (like hearing), for granted. Sadly, we often don't appreciate the simple things in life until they're threatened, impacted, or taken away from us in some way. What if we did appreciate the simple things all the time, in an authentic way?

Primary topic: Empowerment

2,911 views3/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Are You Bringing Your Whole Self to Work?

For us to truly succeed, especially in today’s business world, we must be willing to bring our whole selves to the work that we do. And for the teams and organizations that we’re a part of to thrive, it’s also essential to create an environment where people feel safe enough to bring all of who they are to work. The lines between our personal and professional lives have blurred more than ever in recent years, even inside the most structured and traditional companies.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,566 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Swing Hard (Just in Case You Hit It)

A practical article connected into the broader SelfGrowth topic graph.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,605 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

When You Fall Down, Get Back Up

Have you ever seen a small child learn how to walk? If you have, you know what a remarkable experience it is. I'd heard about this, but had never witnessed it first hand until Samantha, our (almost) five year old, took her first real steps when she was just over a year. She and I were playing in our family room one night and although she'd taken a step or two here and there, and could get around okay while holding onto an adult or a piece of furniture, she hadn't really "walked" yet.

Primary topic: Empowerment

3,937 views4.7/5 (3)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Let Success Chase You

March 27, 2014

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,532 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

The Power of Empathy

Empathy is one of the most important aspects of creating harmonious relationships, reducing stress, and enhancing emotional awareness - yet it can be tricky at times. I consider myself to be quite empathetic, but notice that with certain people (especially those I don't like or agree with and also with myself at times) and in particular situations, my natural ability and desire to empathize can be diminished or almost non-existent.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,989 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Who Are You Trying to Impress?

As I prepare to speak at the Hay House I CAN DO IT event, I’m experiencing a myriad of emotions – excitement, nervousness, gratitude, pressure, curiosity, confusion, peace, and more. It’s thrilling and humbling to be invited to speak at an event like this with such powerful teachers and authors like Wayne Dyer and Caroline Myss, whom I’ve admired and learned from for many years. I’ve never actually been a part of an event like this, although I’ve dreamed about it for a long time and hope this is the first of many such events I get to participate in.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,457 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

The Magic and Mystery of Death

In the past few weeks, two important people in my life suddenly passed away. These deaths have been shocking, sad, and painful for me. And, in the midst of sadness I've once again been reminded of the mystery and magic that I often experience when someone close to me dies.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,309 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Are You Addicted to Struggle?

During a sessio I was having with my new coach last week it became clear to me that I’ve been addicted to struggle for much of my life. While I wasn’t super excited to admit this, it has actually been quite liberating to address my struggle addiction directly and to see how it impacts just about every aspect of my life and work. How about you… are you addicted to (or at least very familiar with) struggling in your own life?

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,670 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

It's Okay for Things to Be Easy

A friend of mine called me out on something important last week. He said, "Mike, this 'story' you have about things being 'hard' for you isn't really true. It seems to me that things come pretty easy, you just make them hard by saying they are. What if you started saying and owning that certain things come easy to you?"

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,486 views3/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Let Go of Control

I had a simple, but profound experience in the swimming pool last week - I floated on my back for the first time in my life. I do know how to swim and enjoy being in the water, but for some reaso I never was able to figure out how to float on my back when I learned to swim as a kid and as an adult it hasn't really been something that has come up as an issue in my life (although it has always been something that I wanted to learn, felt a bit embarrassed about not being able to do, and also didn't quite understand).

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,711 views4/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Your Feelings Matter

I sometimes find it challenging to honor my own feelings – especially if what I want or feel seems to be at odds with other people, or my emotions don’t seem to be “appropriate” to the situation. While I’m not someone who tends to hold back sharing my honest opinions, desires, and feelings and, over the years, I’ve gotten quite a bit of feedback from people close to me about talking too much, dominating situations or conversations, and being selfish – unde eath all of this is a deep fear that my feelings and desires aren’t as important as other people’s.

Primary topic: Empowerment

2,045 views4/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

It's About Appreciation, Not Achievement

It's about Appreciation, not Achievement Have you ever found yourself waiting for something “good” to happen so that you could be happy? “When I get that promotion, lose those ten pounds, fall in love, graduate from school, pay off my debt, have a baby, buy a house, accomplish that big goal, ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,391 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

You Are Enough

I had a powerful conversation with my counselor Eleanor a while back about insecurity. She said to me, "Mike when you're feeling insecure, it's important to understand which aspect of yourself is feeling insecure.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,562 views

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Step Out of Your Box

One of our greatest sources of authentic power in life comes from our willingness and ability to act - especially in the face of obstacles and fear. To be truly successful and fulfilled, we must challenge ourselves to take bold and courageous actions and to go for what we want. Legendary author Ray Bradbury said, "First you jump off the cliff and then you build your wings on the way down."

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,665 views3/5 (1)

By Mike RobbinsRecently published1 topic

Remember How Strong Your Are

In early March of 2011, I was sitting in my car in the parking lot of the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay, Califo ia, where I was scheduled to speak later that morning. Although it was a pretty big event, I wasn't feeling all that nervous about it-I had other things on my mind. I called one of my best friends, Theo, to reach out for his support.

Primary topic: Empowerment

2,292 views

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